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DUP's Jim Wells to take two-week break from Assembly

DUP MLA Jim Wells is to take a two week break from the Assembly to "recharge batteries". Picture by Hugh Russell
DUP MLA Jim Wells is to take a two week break from the Assembly to "recharge batteries". Picture by Hugh Russell DUP MLA Jim Wells is to take a two week break from the Assembly to "recharge batteries". Picture by Hugh Russell

FORMER health minister Jim Wells is to take a two-week break from the Assembly.

In a statement on Wednesday night, the DUP's South Down MLA said the last five months "have been the most difficult of my life" as "several family illnesses and the collapse of my political career have taken their toll".

Last week the Public Prosecution Service announced it would not be charging Mr Wells over alleged comments made about gay relationships during a hustings event ahead of the Westminster election.

Mr Wells resigned as health minister following the controversy, at a time when his wife was seriously ill in hospital

He said on Wednesday night he had been "under the most enormous pressure as I have been striving to clear my name after the false allegations made against me in April".

"Whilst I have been encouraged by recent successes, following discussions with the party leadership they have agreed to my request for a two week break from Stormont to recharge my batteries. I am extremely grateful to them and appreciate the duty of care that they have shown to me."